Xbox One Launch Delayed in Europe and Here’s Why

Would you prefer a free game in lieu of an Xbox One on launch day, or an Xbox One console when the system is set to officially launch at the end of 2013? I’m no mind reader, but something tells me the majority would happily receive their Xbox One in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case for Xbox fans residing in the following eight European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Today, Microsoft announced that they have to delay the launch of the Xbox One in the aforementioned countries due to issues with localizing the dashboard, a lack of meaningful apps, as well as adding the necessary voice and language support.

At the E3 Xbox One unveiling, Microsoft said they’d launch the console in 21 markets. Now, they’ll launch in just 13. This includes Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand.

Microsoft still hasn’t announced an official worldwide launch date, but November has been confirmed. That said, they have yet to detail when the Xbox One will arrive in 2014 to the countries that have been removed from the initial launch, but they did state they’ll do everything they can to “bring [the] Xbox One to you as soon as possible next year.”

Oh, and about that game. Microsoft will offer a “pack in game” with the console, provided you preordered the system before today. They suggest contacting your local retailer for more information, which sounds like a fool’s errand at this point.

Christen Costa

Grew up back East, got sick of the cold and headed West. Since I was small I have been pushing buttons - both electronic and human. With an insatiable need for tech I thought "why not start a blog focusing on technology, and use my dislikes and likes to post on gadgets."